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Blairsville Downtown Development

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Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:21:55 PM Starting this to catch the off-topic posts under Alcohol related to downtown development Note: I started with Morning Coffee's post that was the starting point of the topic splitting, so it's listed in both topics.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:24:36 PM Morning Coffee posted (03/18/2006 4:46:40 PM): So far I've read all sorts of revelations how serving alcohol by the glass will change lives and Blairsville. The reality is until there is a city government that includes a city planner, nothing is going to change in Blairsville. The same run of the mill restaurants will exist, with the same clientele, but you can have a drink with dinner. Mike's Seafood moved from one crappy location to another...the only major improvement is the parking lot is bigger and has less pot holes. Downtown Blairsville looks blighted, there is no planning commission that oversees development in the downtown area. If a lot is empty, something is built without any foresight towards the future. Restaurants that many of you think will come, won't. They don't invest in an areas like Blairsville. If so, they would be in Blue Ridge, Murphy and surrounding areas that sell alcohol. If it weren't for the lake and Brasstown Resort in Towns County there wouldn't be so many places to eat there. The demographics in the mountains doesn't meet the criteria of Red Lobster and the other chain restaurants mentioned here. Lunch time in Blairsville restaurants looks like the dining area in any senior living facility. That isn't the clientele that will draw big businesses to this area, wine or no wine. I've socialized with the city council in Blue Ridge. Along with merchants, they have invested time and money to make their downtown attractive. Blue Ridge draws tourists who love to wander downtown, shop, take a train ride and mingle, which contributes to the town's coffers. Sale of alcohol isn't the attraction. The sale of wine and beer by the glass isn't going to make any changes in this community...I read here Towns County earns $150,000 a year in revenue from the sales of alcohol, which is a pittance in the large scheme of government. Until the downtown area looks more inviting nothing much is going to change, except you'll be having a glass of wine with your dinner at Monet's or a beer at Mike's. I see so many cute, well-planned, unique downtown areas that are so inviting in the mountains, then there is Blairsville. Still voting NO on alcohol sales and Mr. Lamar Paris.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:25:38 PM Social Change posted (03/18/2006 4:59:26 PM) You make a compelling argument, until the local governments decide to make a change in their philosopy and do something to make downtown more attractive that will invite people, we will have the same scenario. Large chain restaurants and upscale establishments only go where they are wanted and from what I see no one in authority wants them. It is kinda like the ole feudal system, you will do as I say. Depressing ain't it! Social Change
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:26:23 PM Cherry Blossom posted (03/18/2006 5:00:03 PM): MC I am not being mean or suggesting anything, but by your reply, which made me feel you were less than pleased, why did you move to Blairsville? I see what you are saying, it may be so, but I don't feel that way when I go to lunch in town. Cherry Blossom
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:28:03 PM Nelly posted (03/18/2006 5:10:41 PM): quote: Downtown Blairsville looks blighted, there is no planning commission that oversees development in the downtown area. If a lot is empty, something is built without any foresight towards the future. Lunch time in Blairsville restaurants looks like the dining area in any senior living facility. That isn't the clientele that will draw big businesses to this area, wine or no wine. There IS a Downtown Development Authority in place and working towards improving the downtown area. Progress takes time and work. And I have to take exception to the restaurant generalization...we eat out every week day for lunch and the clientele we see consists mostly of business people. And I don't think we qualify as nursing home residents. A simple act of kindness.....pass it on
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:28:58 PM Coosa Creek posted (03/18/2006 5:17:59 PM): You know, we built a house for the man that started the whole down town thing with Blue Ridge. He and his wife took an old hotel and turned into a large antique store with tiny shops upstairs. One at a time, other antique businesses moved into the area. blue Ridge downtown was much uglier than blairsville 10-15 years ago. At least youcan see all the beautiful mountains around us from downtown. You can't in Blue Ridge.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:30:06 PM DaughterofConfederate posted (03/18/2006 5:22:56 PM): MC, have you researched outside of the box on these issues like with Lamar or maybe in the references that Shadow gave us here in the box? Gosh the downtown Authority has been set up for a while now hasnt it? Ive seen improvements being made.. I take it you havent been here long enough to recall how our lil town was before where it is today? Youd had heart failure if you had been so naw... I dont think you see the good, I think its more the bad you want to point out.. I could be wrong but sounds familiar to me. Even caring has an ulterior motive. from the movie NELL
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:32:25 PM Chris posted (03/18/2006 5:39:19 PM): You bring up some excellent points [Morning Coffee]. OF COURSE this won't be the final solution to Blairsville's problems, but it's a start. It's a small baby step towards better development.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:34:38 PM Morning Coffee posted (03/18/2006 5:45:11 PM): quote: MC I am not being mean or suggesting anything, but by your reply, which made me feel you were less than pleased, why did you move to Blairsville? I see what you are saying, it may be so, but I don't feel that way when I go to lunch in town. Cherry Blossom I like Union county and live in the 'country,' I seldom go downtown. I enjoy the area where I live. If I knew what I know now, I would have chosen Hayesville for my home, but I was pretty green when I moved here. =Ellijay and Gilmer County has the apple festival that brings visitors. =Blue Ridge has the train, Merciers, and now the quaint old fashioned downtown with great shopping. =Towns has the lake, fairgrounds, Young Harris College, Brasstown Resort and more...that is a huge draw for people from all over. =Murphy is getting cuter...Moose Hollow was full of people all through the holidays and that brought lots of people to the restaurants and other businesses. =Hayesville is a peaceful, cute little town. =Dalonega is sooo cute...I don't know the interest, except bikes, but it is just nice to walk around the town square and sit. =Helen, of course, is a tourist area and fun. =Clarksville is also quite nice. =White and Raburn counties have lovely places to visit. =The list goes on. Each of these areas I've mentioned are people friendly, where you can get out of your car and walk around, see the sights and relax. Downtown Blairsville is asphalt and more asphalt and old run down buildings. Real estate is the name of the game. It isn't inviting, nor am I interested in getting out of car and meandering. Are you? I do that elsewhere. A glass of wine isn't going to get me into town, either.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:36:07 PM Morning Coffee posted (03/18/2006 5:59:11 PM): Is the downtown development council part of Union County government and local business people..or a grass roots group? There needs to be influential people involved to get the ball rolling and the funding to accomplish the task. There seems to be no guidelines for development. Since I've lived here all I've seen is real estate offices and businesses affliated with real estate invest in building downtown. That shows who the opportunists are... Another interesting fact about the City of Blairsville are all the big road signs...what are they advertising? Real estate, of course. They are unsightly and make the town uglier. The liquor law passing isn't going to change downtown area...somehow people are thinking a glass of wine or beer will be the key that opens the golden door.
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:37:10 PM Cherry Blossom posted (03/18/2006 6:27:29 PM): I see your point MC, just curious why would you have picked Hayesville over Blairsville. I do know it's gorgeous there, but as far as it developing faster or a younger crowd, I'd have to question that, but what do I know? I don't know even about any restraunts over there other than the Hardies, but then I just moved here. Cherry Blossom
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:38:51 PM Morning Coffee posted (03/18/2006 6:49:05 PM): quote: I see your point MC, just curious why would you have picked Hayesville over Blairsville. I do know it's gorgeous there, but as far as it developing faster or a younger crowd, I'd have to question that, but what do I know? I don't know even about any restraunts over there other than the Hardies, but then I just moved here. Cherry Blossom I haven't been here long, either...off topic, so we must discuss wine and beer, too... I like the country atmosphere in Hayesville, altho I have some country life in Union Co. I'm not looking for a 'social life' ... I know how to establish one without restaurants or alcohol by the glass...(how was that for staying on topic?) I'm disappointed in the narrow-mindedness of our 'leader' in Union County. I think the 'pour by the glass' referendum is a smoke screen for many issues that are not being addressed...that is another topic. Let's just say I was under the impression this area was more pristine than it is. I expected I would have to go to Atlanta for city life and was content with the idea. I consider Atlanta a short jaunt for culture, good food and great shopping.
daughterofconfederate USA 29728 Posts	Posted - 03/18/2006 : 11:49:02 PM I think Blairsville is better than any and I mean anywhere Ive been to. The city and county is awesome and so much hard work and effort has made changes here that only the ones who have truly been here can appreciate. We have much praise to put out to the Downtown Developement. Great job and Im proud as ever to call this MY HOMETOWN! Even caring has an ulterior motive. from the movie NELL Edited by - daughterofconfederate on 03/18/2006 11:58:16 PM
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 12:17:36 AM Morning Coffee posted (03/18/2006 8:20:12 PM): quote: MC, have you researched outside of the box on these issues like with Lamar or maybe in the references that Shadow gave us here in the box? Gosh the downtown Authority has been set up for a while now hasnt it? Ive seen improvements being made.. I take it you havent been here long enough to recall how our lil town was before where it is today? Youd had heart failure if you had been so naw... I dont think you see the good, I think its more the bad you want to point out.. I could be wrong but sounds familiar to me. Even caring has an ulterior motive. from the movie NELL No, I don't just see the bad...you would like to assume that to justify the inadequacies and failures of local government. If you want progress in town, it's going to take more effort than a new face on a couple of old buildings. When I go through Blairsville, I don't see improvements other than more real estate associated businesses being built, more asphalt being laid. Everything looks the same...old and dilapidated. In Mexico, the government keeps alcohol cheap so the people don't revolt against injustices...maybe that is how Lamar thinks...is he throwing the drinkers a bone, in the form of the liquor referendum, to appease them?
Admin USA 1484 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 12:18:40 AM William R. Jenkins posted (03/18/2006 10:00:38 PM): Morning coffee ,How dare you call downtown Blairsville dilipidated, so is it not it's just plain shabby.If I were twenty years old I could expect to see significate improvement in the down town area.It just aint gonna happin.in your or my lifetimes. William R. Jenkins Realist William R.Jenkins
mad4martinis USA 13730 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 09:59:35 AM MC, if you feel this passionate about the downtown development, why aren't you on the board? I think they are still looking for help. It would be nice to have someone who really cares about the area to be on the board with all the others who care just like you. Shaken, dirty, 4 Olives.
coosa creek USA 39313 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 10:07:13 AM good idea, Maddy.
daughterofconfederate USA 29728 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 10:08:58 AM Do something postive. Even caring has an ulterior motive. from the movie NELL
fawn USA 2223 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 10:37:40 AM When we first starting coming to B'ville...over 10 years ago, we thought the downtown area was rather quaint and old-fashioned. Lately, it seems that trash and debris has rapidly replaced much of the quaintness. The only attractive buildings are the banks. The Ingles area is getting to look really crummy. Have you noticed all the paper and trash around the area? What is taking so long to get the downtown redevelopment going? Like Morning Coffee, I see prettier downtowns and B'ville could be the the nicest of all because of the great mountain view.
Morning Coffee USA 78 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 11:36:44 AM Very good choice to make this a separate section. With upcoming elections, it is a good thing for people to intelligently look at their future and how to get their needs met. When people comment on the desire to have 'new' businesses and food establishments come to this county, it is imperative that the area beccome inviting to those companies. Several individuals suggested that I help with the Redevelopment "Committee." That makes me believe the group is grass roots and a volunteer group, rather than a paid position with the county? I've been involved in community projects under the direction of county officials. Without the funding and support of the county nothing major gets accomplished. Citizens can be on an advisory board run by the commissioner, but he holds the purse strings and the clout to get the job done. City planning and development is a local government task. It is the responsibility of the local officials to review building permits for impact on the area. What I see is willy- nilly downtown development. It is also their job to solicit new businesses. It is apparent county officials don't have a plan or a model design for downtown. I've spoken to the commissioner, he isn't savvy and I'm not impressed. To bring needed revenue to this county, the commissioner can't think small-town-business-as-usual, he needs to think outside-the-box. I've had contact with several companies that most of you would like to see in this area. One out-of-state company sent a real estate representative to this area to 'look around.' These companies were unaware of the growth in the mountains, the change in demographics, and the influx of baby boomers. It isn't likely Blairsville will be chosen as a prime location for the business, but I suspect surrounding areas eventually will be.
coosa creek USA 39313 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 2:23:02 PM Fawn, I have to agree with you about how dirty it is around Ingles. It is always like that. You never see anyone cleaning or sweeping outside. I think the downtown, around the square area could be very cute. The problem is most of the businesses on the square are not appealing to tourists. We have a pawn shop, 2 accountants, edward jones, a beverage place, etc. Too bad there is not a grant of some sort to buy these places when they become available and rent them out to appropiate businesses that encourage tourism.
Cherry Blossom USA 18932 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 6:57:10 PM Well to be honest if a tourist came for the day where would they stay for the night? There's the not so cute place on the square I chose not to stay in, there's the holiday inn or whatever it is. I stayed all the way in Hayesville at the Deercreek Inn, it's waterview, cheap and cute. Oh I guess there's that place next to Zaxby's, but who wants to hear cars while they are trying to sleep? A resort, nicely located could start the idea of attracting people. I know many rent cabins, but I did not see a place to do so in town when I came or since. It's probably there, but if I did not have quick access to it, I kept driving until I found a place to stay that was kinda cute. Cherry Blossom
mad4martinis USA 13730 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 9:31:24 PM There's plenty of places around Cherry. Yes, the best western. Holiday Inn, the abundance of cabins in the area, the bed and breakfast places,& even a Hostel up at Walasi-Yi that sleeps 16 at $18 a head. Shaken, dirty, 4 Olives.
daughterofconfederate USA 29728 Posts	Posted - 03/19/2006 : 10:17:51 PM Theres a list on the top of this website that gives info for rentals.. CUTE CABINS TOO! YEAH! http://www.blairsville.com/rentals.asp Even caring has an ulterior motive. from the movie NELL
Social change USA 274 Posts	Posted - 03/20/2006 : 08:29:09 AM I agree with Cherry Blossom. There are no first class accommodations in this area for tourist. I am sure when people travel they do research on the hotels and motels in an area. I have stayed in so many motels and hotels in the last 40 years that I have developed my own check list. I spend as much time picking out a hotel or motel to stay while on vacation as the time to get there. I have been surprised though, I have made reservations and when I drive up to the front, I know immediately that this is not wher my family will stay, at which point I just cancel and drive away. Most travelers will want to stay at Mobil's 4 or 5 star places, and I do not think there are any here, but there should be, but wthat leads us back to the same old problem. Social Change
fawn USA 2223 Posts	Posted - 03/20/2006 : 09:41:19 AM I think that most people who visit this area prefer to stay in cabins. After all...isn't visiting Union County a "mountain experience"...you know, the getting back to nature thing. For others who like golf, there's always the Brasstown Resort.

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